OK, so after a brief leave of absence - I'm back! What's more, I am back with something ever so slightly exotic, as I have recently taken in the Balearic island of Menorca again this summer. I thought I would offer a word or two on several restaurants I happened to find myself in, so as you can look out for them if you are ever there, or if you fancy something a bit more continental as opposed to what often appears on this blog, or as I say - just something a wee bit different!
SA MITJA LLUNA
Fornells
The bustling harbor town of Fornells on the northern coast of the island offers a charming haven for both local residents and foreign tourists alike. There are several restaurants within the town, most of which are situated on the along the edge of the port.
This one we went to several times, not because it has a stunning look or stunning food, but because it strikes a solidly pleasing balance between quality and value for money. Most if not all restaurants we encountered (at least those that more than a certain number of covers) offered a set-priced menu of three courses (I have a sneaking feeling this might be a Europe-wide phenomenon). Theirs was by far and away the best. Good food, generously proportioned, and always produced to the same appealing standard. Favourites of mine included their Paella and veal steak. Add to that welcoming, humble staff, and a nice enough atmosphere and the result was a solid stand by I was happy to return to.
LA GUAPA
Fornells
Venture a little further, into the backstreets of Fornells, and you will come across this unusual gem. Modern outlook, serving a fusion of Spanish, Argentine and Menorcan classics with a contemporary twist; La Guapa really is quite a find. Modest in size, yet almost always popularly filled with all walks of life who are readily impressed with what is on offer, and I count myself amongst them.
Again very welcoming staff. Not too overbearing and pretentious in size or attitude. And the food is simply wonderful to behold. My one complaint is that they leave a lot to the imagination when describing what they can produce in their menu; be warned - what you actually get on your plate will probably be delicious - but not entirely what you were expecting. I shall say no more!
PIERRO'S
Mahon
Pierro's does not even deserve a badly taken mobile photo. Again it is a restaurant situated on the port front, but this time in the much grander capital of Mahon. On the night in question it was packed, though I utterly fail to see why. I'm guessing it was either due to the town being packed due to a festival that was taking place, or the residents of Mahon have cripplingly poor taste. Utterly dire. The service was rushed and shoddy, the food was mediocre at best and the atmosphere was loud and oppressive. I shall not waste any more words on this horribly flawed establishment.
PIZZERIA DON VITO
Mahon
After my first ghastly foray into Mahon restaurants, it was a refreshing and blessed relief when, on our last day, we discovered that there was quality to be found. This time, it was high above the port's edge, on the cliff edge overlooking Mahon, offering a staggering place of position and stunning view. We were welcomed by a wonderfully eccentric and capable host/owner/chef/waiter who commanded a disciplined and diligent team. Though I must say, as the hugely popular Don Vito's started to bulge at the seams with eager clientele, this fluid attentiveness did slip drastically. Unlike most pizza places this one (like Posillipo in Canterbury - the review of which can be found in my blog archive) had a wood-burning pizza oven. The results were superb. A great and varied menu, of which I only had a small sample, yet it was delicious to behold. As I say, attentiveness from the staff waned a little but that, and being rained on thanks to an ingenious but slightly flawed roofing system, are my only complaints. Otherwise a solidly high standard dining experience.
CA NA MARGA
Fornells
On our penultimate day, on the outskirts of Fornells harbor, we found another culinary gem quite by chance. Ca Na Marga is primarily a small but quaint hotel primarily, but its restaurant is again a culinary haven for natives and visitors. If you were to go to Menorca and eat out only once anywhere on the island, then from my experience, this would be the place I would readily reccomend. An easily crafted bustling atmosphere, another welcoming, attentive and humble owner/head chef, swift and stylish (if though slightly baffling staff) and superb food. With this one, I'll go into a bit of detail...
Foie Gras a delicacy and normally does not need anything doing to it. Yet my foie gras was unusually, yet wonderfully done with goats cheese and was simply sublime. Ca Na Marga too had a wood-burning oven, but they did not use it to cook pizzas. Their specialty was meat, particularly steak; thus my gourmet burger was quite individual and immensely satisfying. Finally the evening was rounded off by a luxuriously smooth hot chocolate (simple I know, but often done badly and wonderful when done right) and a perfect deconstructed strawberry cheesecake (pictured above). Occasionally I got the impression they were trying too hard, but often they tried very hard and got it all right. For me, Ca Na Marga was definitely my Menorcan culinary highlight this summer.
